The Opioid Epidemic Turns Lethal, Hitting Columbus, OH

Emerging Synthetic Opioid: U-47700

With a surge in the abuse of opioids, both heroin and prescription painkillers, taking hold of the country, people have been turning to other synthetic forms of these potent substances. Sadly, it has become all too common for individuals to turn to lab-created drugs to feed their desire to achieve a mind- and mood-altering high.

One of the most recent and potent of these opioid derivatives being consumed in the United States is U-47700. Also known as “pinky” or “pink,” U-47700 is not only being added to the list of already deadly substances that people are abusing, but also to the list of drugs that are claiming the lives of people who may not necessarily know what they are ingesting.

Answering a Deadly Need

It is no secret that individuals of all ages will experiment with substances because someone told them that it will elicit a great high. However, nowadays, it appears that people are getting a bit more creative in adding to the drug problem in America.

U-47700 was once a drug being tested for FDA approval. Yet, after failing to meet the appropriate standards, it was shelved and never released to the public. Presently, this substance is being illegally manufactured overseas, purchased online, and shipped to the United States as more and more people, fueled by drug cravings and curiosity, demand an alternative to heroin and prescription drugs.

Ohio among States Taking Action

As the popularity of U-47700 grows, law enforcement and medical personnel are unfortunately seeing a rise in opioid-related deaths. Overdoses caused by U-47700 have increased, and it is only a matter of time before the Columbus area and other major cities in Ohio begin to see this same trend.

Now considered a controlled substance, those who are caught possessing and/or distributing this life-threatening substance will be subjected to criminal charges and penalized in the same manner as those having or selling heroin or other illicit substances.

It is hoped that through these efforts, those in the Columbus, Ohio area, and those in other communities in the United States, will heed the much-publicized warnings about this and other synthetic opioids that are becoming more readily available.

“Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry was the only treatment option that was able to help me make a breakthrough in improving my mental health. It was obvious that Ohio Hospital's staff were experts in their field, and everyone was great!”